The pandemic has dealt the economy a whammy; the likes of which most living humans have never faced. It’s not just about a market slowdown but a pandemic that has changed the way we interact with each other as a species.
One of the most powerful tools that we have as a species is language. What we often overlook is that Words have tremendous Power apart from Meanings. Used in the wrong context they can start wars or break spirits. Used in the right context, they can unite families, bring peace, and create powerful, positive emotions and feelings.
If you are like most people, you make promises to others all the time. We have become accustomed and maybe even accepting of exaggerating the truth (a little bit); a little white lie here and there to misdirect or get past an awkward moment; a small promise to close a deal and left unfulfilled because we forgot or ignored it.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISES?
There are 2 parts to Promises
WHAT DOES IT DO TO US?
(the promiser)
Every promise you make is ultimately with yourself (even when you make promises with someone else. Our brains hear it and register it as a commitment to ourselves). When we don’t follow through, we are telling ourselves that we don’t value our own word. We reinforce within us, that it's okay to let someone down; to say things that we don’t intend to fulfill. Over time, we reinforce in our psyche that we are distrustful to ourselves and we lack Integrity.
WHAT DOES IT DO TO OUR CLIENTS/ CUSTOMERS?
(the recipient)
When we don’t keep a promise to clients / customers, it communicates to them that we don’t value them; that we cannot be counted on; that we put something ahead of our promise.
Sure, we may have (at times) been called out on an unfulfilled promise; maybe our clients or customers have forgotten or ignored it and moved on. However in the current economic environment; heightened by the pandemic everything has changed and will change our clients' and customers' acceptance of these “lost” promises.
WHAT CHANGED?
Promises Made need to be Promises Kept because if we continue to conduct business like we did 6 months ago, our clients and customers will leave us. Today - Time, Money, Returns & Integrity have become more invaluable.
WHY PROMISES KEPT MAKE CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE
As a business leader, navigating the Covid-19 pandemic these are the new rules for creating Sustainable Business Growth.
Advertising & Marketing are mechanisms to connect with customers and businesses. They cannot build rapport and trust. Branding on the other hand is a completely different animal as its role is to create and support powerful perceptions based on authentic emotional experiences. If businesses want to build brand loyalty then they need to start delivering to every promise they make in their Advertising & Marketing.
Only Make Promises that your business intends on keeping (at all costs).
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If your current system is aloof with clients or customers, STOP
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If your proposals have hidden costs or fees, STOP
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If you business pretends to be something its not, STOP
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If you have customer service inefficiencies and unresolved billing disputes. STOP
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If your teams pitch, create or deliver flawed services or unnecessary solutions, STOP
Related Reading: Viral Marketing, Customer Centricity
It might have worked pre Covid-19 but going forward No client or customer will be willing to give you his time or his money if he feels that the company's word means nothing. It is better to learn to say “NO”
Promises Kept Make Customers for Life because customers and clients see and feel your empathy. Perspective is everything in the newly evolving business environment. Customers and Clients will keep coming back; they will recommend your company, its products or services to friends, family and partners because your company keeps its promises (the ripple effect).
If you want to keep your customers or get new customer you must ensure that Promises Made are Promises Kept.
Trigger Worldwide is a Brand Marketing Agency, built specifically for businesses to create Sustainable Growth. Our proprietary tools and process methodologies harness Technology, Creativity & Innovation, leverage Economic Drivers and Consumer Beliefs to help businesses overcome marketing inefficiencies and achieve their Growth Agendas.
“CREATE AN INSPIRED FUTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS”
~ Trigger Worldwide